Quito
Ecuador
You are here
Sit back, relax, and dream about everything that awaits when you study abroad in Quito.
Imagine exploring vibrant neighborhoods and admiring the beautiful colonial Spanish architecture that makes the city a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dive into the city’s tradition and varied influences and adventure to the equator in Mitad del Mundo where you can learn more about Ecuador’s indigenous people
Whether you’re practicing your Spanish, studying the environment in this biodiverse region, walking through the city’s street, or on a hike, the opportunities for adventure are endless when you study abroad in Quito.
Programs
Quito's Top Five
Stand on the Equator
Travel via bus to the place where the northern and southern hemispheres meet and stand at the middle of the Earth.
Wander Through Historic Old Town
Stroll the streets to get a feel for the city and see the historically charming architecture.
Climb a Volcano
Trek to the top of Volcano Pichincha just outside the city for beautiful views of Quito and its surrounding landscapes.
Try Authentic, Local Cuisine
From grilled plantains to freshly-squeezed juices, your taste buds will thank you.
Explore and Unwind in Itchimbia Park
This hilltop park is home to Quito's cultural center and offers running paths, picnic spots, and more for a relaxing day in the sun.
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
The Latest from Quito
Fireside Chat with Fascinating Faculty: IES Abroad Quito's Dr. Hugo Valdebenito and the Biodiversity of Ecuador
In this installment of Fireside Chats with Fascinating Faculty, Gretchen Cook-Anderson, IES Abroad Associate Vice President, Assistant to the President for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Antiracism, and Director of Diversity Recruitment and Advising, gathers with Dr. Hugo Valdebenito, IES Abroad Quito Professor. The two discuss his work, history, and the environmental climate and biodiversity of Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands. This Fireside Chat orients around conservation efforts and individual/collective responsibility to establishing and maintaining a sustainable environment in Ecuador.
A Light in the Fog
We were sitting on the bus when we got the news. I’m sure everyone is sick of this by now, sick of hearing only about one thing, and I know I’m tired of thinking about it. So this blog post won’t mention that-which-will-not-be-named. Let’s just say, for unspecified reasons, our program was canceled, Ecuador had declared a state of emergency, and we were given 24 hours to leave the country or risk being trapped for months. It was a dramatic bus ride.
Getting Around in Quito: Some Tips for Public Transportation
Recently, a group of professors and advisors in study abroad departments from various universities in the United States came to visit Quito. They were here to see what our program is really like, so they can advise students better in the future, and they were able to sit in on classes, take a tour, and eat dinner with some of us at our homes here.
Ten Minutes to Sunset
Counting down the minutes to sunset on an Ecuadorian beach.
My First Day Trips in Ecuador: Graffiti and Lagoons!
On my way to class every day, I pass by dozens, maybe hundreds, of works of graffiti and street art. Quito is an amazing city, with so much to look at, so I hardly ever glanced at the words, names, and designs that covered almost every available wall. I’ve never known anything about street art, so even when I did notice one piece in particular, my thoughts were mostly limited to, cool, a big snake or wow, those letters sure are big.
